In a significant move towards promoting sustainable practices in the steel industry, the Indian government has established the 14th task force dedicated to exploring the utilisation of biochar in steel production.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to mitigate carbon emissions and enhance environmental sustainability within the steel sector. The decision to form the task force was initiated by Union Steel Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in March 2023, when he approved the creation of 13 task forces aimed at identifying actionable strategies for green steel production and the adoption of eco-friendly manufacturing processes. The Indian steel sector currently accounts for 12% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with an emission intensity of 2.55 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of crude steel, exceeding the global average of 1.9 tonnes of CO2. Recognising the urgent need to address these emissions, the government has intensified its efforts to promote sustainable practices across the industry.
The newly formed 14th task force focuses specifically on leveraging biochar, a form of black carbon derived from biomass sources such as agricultural waste products, to reduce carbon emissions in steel manufacturing processes. By harnessing the potential of biochar, the task force aims to develop innovative solutions that contribute to the industry’s overall carbon reduction objectives. According to a steel ministry document, the task force was constituted on December 5, 2023, in recognition of the critical role that biochar can play in advancing carbon reduction practices within the steel industry. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and embracing alternative technologies to achieve sustainable development goals.
Biochar offers a promising avenue for enhancing the environmental performance of steel production by utilising renewable biomass resources and reducing reliance on conventional carbon-intensive materials. Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, the task force endeavours to catalyse the adoption of biochar-based solutions across the Indian steel industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. “Biochar manufacturing, using stainless steel chambers, is the future, offering non-corrosive (and) non-toxic sturdy material. Besides agriculture use, it can be input in an electric arc furnace,” former steel secretary Aruna Sharma said.
